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Rent the Museum

The Natural History Museum of Utah illuminates the natural world and the place of humans within it. From the inspired architectural design of our building to our galleries, we are pleased to offer a unique environment for social programs and private events in a setting that promises to inspire awe.

Major Events

Full Museum

Exclusive evening access to the Canyon + Terrace plus all galleries, including the Sky Gallery + Terrace and Swaner Forum on Level 5. Guests can explore the dinosaurs of Past Worlds, discover Utah’s rich archaeology in First Peoples, walk through dramatic geology in the Land gallery, enjoy stunning views from the Great Salt Lake and Sky galleries, discover diversity in the Life gallery, and explore the stories of Utah’s American Indian peoples in Native Voices.

*Removal of the Topographic Map required for larger number of tables at additional fee of $500

The Canyon + Terrace

The Canyon is the signature space of the Museum, offering an architecturally dramatic interior and stunning views from the terrace (weather permitting).

Capacity : 272 or *328 Seated Dinner l 400 Reception

Rental: $5,000

*Removal of the Topographic Map required for larger number of tables at additional fee of $500

Gallery Add-on to the Canyon and Terrace

Guests can explore the dinosaurs of Past Worlds and enjoy the incredible views from the Great Salt Lake galleries OR experience the featured Special Exhibit Gallery and be dazzled by the Gems & Minerals Hall.

Rental: $2,500

Rentals of the spaces above are available for private events only in the evenings with the exception of Wednesday night. Canyon rentals do not include the galleries during the event. Group discounts are available.

Level 5 Event Spaces

SWANER FORUM

Boasting breathtaking views with professional AV amenities, this is the perfect venue for board meetings, lectures and classroom sessions, seated dinners, and receptions. The Swaner Forum comes equipped with conference tables, chairs, and built-in house sound, two screens, and LCD projectors. Rental does not include admission to the galleries during the event, however group discount rates are available.

SKY GALLERY + TERRACE

Sky gallery offers a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley as well as an indoor-outdoor interpretive space that invites visitors to interact with weather, atmosphere, and stars above them. Use of the Sky Terrace is weather permitting.Capacity : 80 Seated Dinner | 120 Reception

Rental: $1,500

NATIVE VOICES GALLERY

Designed in consultation with Utah's American Indian communities, the Native Voices gallery interprets the deep history and contemporary cultures of Utah's tribes. Native Voices can be rented in addition to the other Level 5 rental spaces.

Rentals of the spaces above are available for private events only in the evenings with the exception of Wednesday night. Canyon rentals do not include the galleries during the event. Group discounts are available.

Wedding Receptions

NHMU is pleased to offer our rental spaces for wedding receptions (NHMU cannot accommodate ceremonies). The wedding reception package is designed to offer our clients a memorable experience for their big day. The reception package is required in addition to NHMU’s other rental spaces (Rental Fee discounts do not apply to the Reception Package Fee).

Reception Package includes:

Wedding party prep/dressing area in the Swaner Forum (Level 5).

Client service for the planning of the event and coordinating logistics between all outside vendors.

Portrait photography session at NHMU. To be arranged through the NHMU Events Department (photography sessions to take place during NHMU’s regular business hours).

Reception Package Restrictions:

Alcohol may be consumed at the Museum only if served by a licensed and bonded bartender. Additional restrictions may apply.

Explore the Possibilities

To explore the possibilities of holding your private event at the Museum, call us at 801.585.9538 or email us now.

Additional Information

Alcohol Disclaimer: The serving of alcoholic beverages at private events is subject to our approval and is permitted only on a case-by-case basis. Upon receipt of the completed, appropriately initialed and signed Addendum, along with the signed Rental Contract, the request to serve alcohol will be forwarded to the University of Utah administration for review. Signature by an authorized representative of NHMU evidences that permission has been granted by the University of Utah to have alcohol served at your Event, subject to the following terms and conditions.

Nonprofit Discount: We extend a 20% discount on rental pricing for 501(c)3 organizations, public agencies, and to entities of the University of Utah. All 501(c)3 organizations requesting discounted rates will be required to present proof of non-profit status with a tax-exempt determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.

Availability: Events in the Swaner Forum can take place when the Museum is open to the public and after hours. All other rentals can take place evenings only, except for Wednesdays. The Museum is open to the public until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Private events cannot be scheduled in the Canyon, Galleries or for the Full Museum on Wednesdays.

Regretfully, the Natural History Museum of Utah does not accept bookings for high school dances.